The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, March 17. THE LICENSING ELECTIONS.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 51, 17 March 1894, Page 8

The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, March 17. THE LICENSING ELECTIONS.

On Wednesday next, 21st March, the electors of the colony will have an opportunity, under the Act passed last session, of voting for the election of licensing committees and also on the following questions:— IN RESPECT OF PUBLICANS* LICENSES. I vote that the number of publicans’ licenses continue as at present. I vote that the number of publicans’ licenses be reduced. I vote that no publicans’ licenses be granted. IN RESPECT OF ACCOMMODATION LICENSES. I vote that the number of accommodation houses continue as at present. I vote that the number of accommodation licenses be reduced. I vote that no accommodation licenses be granted. IN RESPECT OP BOTTLE LICENSES. I vote that the number of bottle licenses continue as at present. 1 vote that the number of bottle licenses be reduced. I vote that no bottle licenses be granted. The Act, which, as introduced, was to “ please everybody,” has had anything but that effect. Nevertheless both sides appear to have determined to make the best of it. Many issues ' have been raised, and predictions of the most absurd character indulged in, one paper in the capital of the colony gravely declaring that if the number of hotels in Wellington is reduced, it will lead to a panic, and cause travellers to give the city the go-by ! The one outstanding fact to be remembered is that the people of the colony have got the right, by the vote of their Parliamentary representatives, to say whether licences shall continue as at present, be reduced, or be abolished. “ Trust the people ” is a well-known Liberal principle, and they, may be safely left to decide for themselves on a matter so closely affecting their wel-

fare as the drink traffic. What every man, whaiever his views, should desire on this occasion, is a clear and unmistakeable expression of opinion on the fpart of the electors. The Act as it stands makes this difficult of attainment, but that is all the more reason for effort by the forces arrayed against each other. That there is need for reform, either in the licensing laws as they stand, or in their administration, is admitted even by others than pledged abstainers, and on Wednesday the electors will indicate by their votes its direction and extent.